For UB researchers hoping to provide medication to their study participants during clinical trials, sorting through the myriad of regulations can be a headache.

Luckily, the Research Pharmacy within the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPPS) is a phone call away, providing services that range from managing and dispensing medication to compounding custom prescriptions.

A New York State-licensed outpatient facility, the pharmacy provides support to investigators from pre- to post-study.

“The Research Pharmacy is well prepared to provide its services to all researchers and patients in Western New York and beyond,” says Christopher Daly, principal investigator and SPPS clinical assistant professor.

“Together with our health care partners, we can improve research in health care by expanding the knowledge base within our local and regional communities.”

Since 1995, the Research Pharmacy has supported clinicians and investigators in their work.

The pharmacy has assisted investigators with their studies at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Erie County Medical Center and Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. It also has handled nationwide clinical trials for the drugs Concerta, Daytrana and Strattera.

Its services include assisting with study design and budgeting, ensuring state and federal compliance, and collecting research data. Pharmacists also provide patient counseling, drug interaction analysis and medication delivery.

“Safety is our top priority,” says Denise Swiatek, clinical pharmacist and SPPS adjunct assistant professor. “Great care must be taken in handling the investigational drugs and in providing full attention to the study and, ultimately, the patient’s well-being.”

For more information on the Research Pharmacy or to request its services, visit its webpage.